By Bianca Grover

I am an ACE certified Personal Trainer and an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist. Both of these are extremely valuable to my industry and clients, but many people don’t know the difference. To summarize, they are uniquely qualified to train certain people, conditions and considerations. Allow me to break it down for you.

Exercise Physiologist Scope of Practice

As an Exercise Physiologist, I take a deep dive into my patients' fitness and health considerations to improve or maintain their health in a safe and sustainable manner. This is especially important when I train clients with special considerations such as heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease and other chronic pains or illnesses. Having a solid understanding of a client’s health background and how to deal with these considerations is crucial. Attempting to train without this information can cause more harm than good. Unfortunately, as there is little regulation in the personal training industry, it is common for under-qualified trainers to take on clients that are outside of their scope of practice.

Personal Trainer Scope of Practice

Those who do not have qualifications above a certification for personal training must adhere to two major guidelines - although these are commonly ignored.

1. Personal trainers do not diagnose injury, disease or dysfunction.

2. Personal trainers do not prescribe specific meal plans, supplementation or diet plans.

If a client requests these services or information, a personal trainer may refer them to an appropriately educated professional. If they attempt to provide these services without proper certifications or specializations, it could lead to serious harm.

If you are looking for a trainer that has the education and qualifications to safely and accurately assist you on your fitness journey, contact me, and see how Bianca Grover Fitness can help you.